Organizing one’s finances is critical in achieving financial success. No one ever became financially secure by not tracking their money at all times. When someone loses control of their money, their money controls them, rather than the other way around. To avoid being stuck in this situation, a person must get a handle on their money by organizing their finances, setting goals, and tracking their progress. When combined with dedication and discipline, anyone can reach their financial goals sooner than they ever imagined.

Set Goals
Identifying and setting goals is imperative for success of any kind. Therefore, the first step in organizing one’s finances and becoming more financially secure is setting financial or lifestyle goals and intensely pursuing them. To do so, a person should simply make a physical list of what it is they want to achieve financially. The list should include both short-term and long-term goals, such as taking a vacation and savings for retirement. By doing this first simple task, a person can finally take charge of their finances and commit to a financial plan.

Create a Detailed Budget
The key to financial organization and saving money is developing a comprehensive budget that includes mortgage or rent payments, all utilities, insurance, groceries, miscellaneous costs, and any other variable monthly expenses. Regardless of whether it is written down or kept track of using software like Quickbooks, it is important to fine tune a budget until it can confidently be followed month after month.

When creating a budget, it is essential to write down every single expenditure for the month in advance. Known as “zero-based budgeting,” this form of money management is by far the most effective, because it forces people to think about their daily and monthly expenses. Everyone should make a new budget each and every month that reflects variable expenses, such as annual subscription fees, car maintenance, and gifts.

Avoid Using Credit Cards
Financial organization becomes much easier when credit cards are put away in a safe place and only used for rare emergency situations. Not only does this streamline the process of financial tracking, but it also is a prudent measure to save more money and achieve financial goals as expediently as possible.

Save for a Rainy Day
The money saved by no longer using credit cards should go equally towards paying off credit cards and saving for a rainy day. Money should be set aside in a savings account every single payday. By doing so, a person can quickly accumulate quite a nice nest egg.

Record Monthly Finances
The final step towards saving money and organizing one’s finances is keeping a written record of receipts and monthly expenditures, budgets, and savings. Reviewing these items periodically can help a person adjust their financial plan and stay on track to reach their financial goals.